I began volunteering with Youngcare in March 2017 as my chosen charity for my Telstra Volunteer Day. One of my best decisions ever. I left Telstra in May 2017 and started my own business. One of my business standards is to always give back to the community, and in part I do this through making volunteer days a part of my business life. And for me, my chosen beneficiary is Youngcare.
In the last year, I’ve given time at the Youngcare Charity Golf Day, various days of admin at Head Office writing thank-you cards, making calls, transferring files, really anything and everything, and most recently at the Women’s Property Panel Lunch celebrating International Women’s Day. I can say that every single day has been fun, rewarding, and most importantly I know we’ve done great work to provide assistance and raise funds in support of young people with high care needs. I even brought my best friend along, and he’s now a committed Vollie too!
So why? Why give my time? Why get in involved? In my life, I’ve spent a lot of time in nursing homes with various family members. It always broke my heart that besides those of quite advanced age being residents, there were always beautiful young people, who for so many reasons were living out their lives in an environment that simply could never provide for the needs of young individuals. The medical facilities yes. The mental stimulation, simply being around other young people in an age-appropriate environment, no. And each time I saw this, my heart hurt. Surely there had to be a better solution. In March last year, one of my best friends died after three days in ICU. Her life had changed in an instant, just like anyone else’s could. One moment in time, life-long consequences. And I knew had she lived she was headed for a nursing home.
Enter Youngcare. I’ve followed their journey, given funds when I could and championed their growth. Then I realised I could do so much more by giving my time to bring about more growth and raise more funds; so much more than I alone could provide. It’s really as simple as that. The ripples and echoes of the work Youngcare do – the high care facilities, the grants, the help they provide to young people and their families – are felt so broadly in our community. We each have something we can give, even if it is simply time.
Thanks Youngcare; I’m proud to be part of your Vollie team xo
Kylie – Owner & Founder Authentic.Inspired.Life and Today Tomorrow Ever After Celebrancy Services
